Fernando
Murias
OCCUPATION: PricewaterhouseCoopers
Washington Metro Managing Partner
WASHINGTON LIFE: What piqued your interest in
the field you're in?
FERNANDO MURIAS: Both my parents were accountants.
Also, while attending the University of Maryland, my
professors counseled me toward tax consulting - I have
been in the industry ever since.
WL: PwC has been listed on Fortune's "100 Best
Companies to Work For" list. What's the secret?
FM: At the risk of oversimplifying, what has moved us to
the level of "best" is challenging work with diverse teams
who listen to one another and support each member's
professional needs and personal obligations.
WL: 24/7 Blackberry .... for or against?
FM. Against. I find it disturbing when I am talking to
someone who is distracted by incoming Blackberry messages- I know if I carried one I would become that person.
WL: How do you escape?
FM: I hit the beach here and in Florida whenever I can.
WL: You're a winner of The Washington Post's"prognosticator" contest. Any new predictions?
FM: Due to my predictions regarding the latest housing market
and interest rates, I understand I am in the running again this
year. If I could only translate that into personal success in the
stock market, maybe I could retire early.
WL: Career defining moment?
FM: Four years ago; being named to my current position
at PwC. My roots are here so I have thoroughly enjoyed
reconnecting with the local community.
WL: In 2004, the State of Maryland named you"outstanding fundraising volunteer" for your work
with so many local organizations (Junior Achievement,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the
American Red Cross, among others)… what's the
magic forumula?
FM: Fundraising is all about building relationships.
WL: Do you agree with Gordon Gekko that greed is good?
FM: Ambition is a good thing, but greed implies selfishness.
I believe strongly that anyone in a position of success has
a duty to give back to the community, so to me greed is a
negative quality.
WL: If you had your own version of The Apprentice,
what would your tag line be?
FM: "YOU'RE HIRED!" Our local PwC office is the fastest
growing in the country. Finding enough qualified people to
meet our hiring goals is a constant challenge. |
